Orion Township, nonprofit work to open park for kids with special needs

The Charter Township of Orion and Sister Souls, Inc, a Lake Orion non-profit group, plan to build a playground and park specifically for children with special needs. They are currently in the process of raising enough money to begin building.

FYI

LO Palooza is from 1 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 19 at Wildwood Amphitheater, 2700 Joslyn Road, Orion Township, with music entertainment and food. Tickets cost $10 and all proceeds will go to “Let Them Play.” For more information, visit sistersouls.org or eventbrite.com/e/lo-palooza-tickets-11813730185.

Orion Township based nonprofit Sister Souls’ newest project is to open a playground that will specifically serve children with special needs.

Together, the township and Sister Souls, Inc plan to raise $50,000 through their “Let Them Play” initiative to build at Friendship Park, but are currently only at $38,000 as of this month.

“I think we are doing great,” said Chris Barnett, Orion Township supervisor. “We are going to have a playground that is the first of its kind for unable bodied children in our area and it all came from donations, not state tax money.”

Out of the thousands of playgrounds in Michigan, research shows that only about two dozen are geared toward families who have children with special needs. However, the need for them is greater than what is provided for more than 1.7 million children with disabilities.

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Barnett said that there are other options in the township for children with special needs to play, but this playground will be the first to target all aspects of their needs.

“I am personally really passionate about this,” Barnett said. “We have a need and we want to meet that need. We want to give these children their own spot.”

To raise the rest of the money needed to start building, three more fund-raisers are still to come, one of which Barnett thinks could make their goals a reality.

“My personal goal is that this event will get us the rest of the money we need,” Barnett said.

Other fund-raisers such as online jewelry sales, and a cut-a-thon in mid-August, hosted by Prime Designz salon in Rochester will hopefully contribute to the fund.

“Let Them Play” is also offering items from the park for purchase which will include the owners name engraved on it. Items to purchase require donations ranging from $50 to $1,000.

Items include:

• 4-by-8 inch brick with engraving — $50

• 6-by-12 inch brick with engraving — $125

•12-by-12 inch brick with engraving — $250

• A park bench with engraving space — $1,000

• A waste receptacle with engraved plaque — $1,000

• A wildflower area sponsor with engraved nameplate — $500

• A Purple Martin birdhouse with engraved brick — $250

People giving, Barnett said, have gotten ”Let The Play” where it is today.

“It’s amazing to see the community come together,” said Barnett said. “It really shows the character of the community.”

On the Sister Soul’ Facebook page, Maggie Woloszyk posted a video of her daughter Kylie on a carousal at a Tigers game. She related this experience to what her experience would be like on the new “Let Them Play” playground and replied to a Sister Soul’s comment in great appreciation.

“You all are AMAZING!!! Love your hearts and Souls...pure dedication on a level that is inspiring,” commented Woloszyk.

On their website, www.sistersouls.org/Events.html, there are instructions for purchasing and engraving.

Other monetary donations can be made at their website, or at the “Let Them Play” fund-raising site, letthemplay.eventbrite.com.